A major police search is underway for Mikaeel Kular, a three-year-old boy who has gone missing from his home in Ferry Gait, Edinburgh.

The toddler was last seen going to bed at his home address in at around 9pm yesterday, but when his family awoke this morning, he was not in the property.

Police said they have a large police presence in the area, and the Air Support Unit is involved in the search.

Three-year-old Mikaeel Kular who was last seen going to bed around 9pm on Wednesday.

They asked anyone who believes they have seen Mikaeel last night or this morning to contact police immediately.

The little boy is described as 3ft tall and possibly wearing a beige hooded jacket, brown shoes and nightwear.

Chief Inspector Sara Buchanan said: "We have currently got a large police presence within the Drylaw area as we conduct our inquiries to trace Mikaeel .

Superintendent Liz McAinsh appeals for information at Fettes Police Station in Edinburgh after three-year-old Mikaeel Kular.

"We are keen to hear from anyone who remembers seeing a young boy matching his description since yesterday evening to contact police immediately.

"As part of our investigation we are also trying to determine how the child has left his home and anyone with information that can assist with these inquiries is also asked to get in touch."

Officers said it was the boy's mother who discovered he was missing.

The police helicopter, along with coastguard teams and lifeboats, are involved in the search.

Search for missing Mikaeel Kular

Search for missing Mikaeel Kular

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Anyone who sees the boy is asked to make sure he is safe and contact police immediately.

He is described as 3ft, of Asian appearance and possibly wearing a beige hooded jacket, blue jogging bottoms, brown Clarks shoes and nightwear.

Police Scotland Superintendent Liz McAinsh said: ''It was his mum who has reported he was missing to us - she is obviously distraught. He has a wee three-year-old twin sister, so his wee twin is obviously going to be very concerned about where he is.

''It must be awful. As a mother myself I just can't imagine how I would feel if my wee boy went missing.

''Clearly, as everybody out there will be able to relate to, his mother is distraught and she's trying to give us all the information she can to help us in our inquiry.

''We are providing her with all the support that we can through that experience and just trying as best we can with all the resources we have at our disposal to find him safe and well.''

An Edinburgh City Council spokesman said: "Police have been in touch with the nursery and staff are liaising with them."

Police earlier detained a man in the city's Waterfront Gait but said it was unconnected with the boy's disappearance.

Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or alternatively the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.